In many, if not most, discussions over policy issues, the discussion revolves around a proposed solution. Proponents attempt to defend and justify their proposal, while opponents attack it. This is not a recipe for a healthy and constructive conversation. Indeed, it often leads to anger and hostility. Take proposals to ban or severely regulate short-term…
An interesting controversy has erupted in Mississippi. Two private companies claim that they own the rights to minerals under certain parcels of land in Simpson County. Property owners have denied the companies access to their land to explore for oil and gas. A Simpson County judge has ordered the land owners to provide access. A…
For decades, we have been told that individuals have a “right” to certain values, such as an education, a “living wage,” and health care. Such claims ignore the meaning of the concept right. Rights pertain to action–the freedom to take the actions one deems appropriate. The right to free speech means the freedom to express…
Voltaire is widely credited with saying, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” This quote, whether Voltaire actually said it, is often cited by defenders of free speech. Those who write or speak popular ideas have little fear of government reprisal. But those who…
A major source of political animosity and controversy today is the belief that the rights of individuals occasionally conflict. The issue then becomes whose “rights” will be protected and whose rights will be thrown under the bus. As an example, last week the Corpus Christi Caller-Times published an editorial supporting restrictions and bans on vaping…
SpaceX recently sent residents of Boca Chica Village, a small community about thirty miles east of Brownsville, offers to buy their homes for three times the appraised value. While many might consider this to be akin to manna from heaven, the residents of Boca Chica Village aren’t so thrilled about the offer. SpaceX has a…
Reform Austin recently published a story chiding state officials for interfering to “delay, postpone or outright stop the construction” of affordable housing by local governments. The article goes on to claim that “cities all across the Lone Star State are using every tool in the toolbox to crack the housing problem.” Interestingly, the article makes…
We hear a lot of talk about “renewable energy” and the need for America to end it’s “addiction” to fossil fuels. Indeed, Democrat candidates for president are stumbling over one another to come up with the most regressive plan. Much of the public has embraced this delusional rhetoric, largely because they have accepted the illusion…
Socialist presidential candidate Bernie Sanders recently attempted to distinguish democratic socialism from the socialism being practiced in Venezuela. During the recent debate in Houston, Sanders called Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro a “vicious tyrant.” He went on to call for “for free elections in Venezuela so that the people of that country can make, can create…
In August, the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) announced plans to drain four lakes beginning September 16. GBRA said dewatering was necessary to avert potential failure of spillgates on the dams creating the lakes. Two other lakes have already been drained. GBRA says that it doesn’t have the funds to repair the spillgates. Property owners along…
Parker County commissioners recently denied a landlocked resident’s request that the county build a road to his property. Jonathan Hobson inherited the property in 2015. He was allowed temporary access across adjoining property, but that access ended in June of this year after his legal suit was thrown out. After the ruling, Hobson stated: Our…
In cities across Texas (and the country) local politicians are imposing severe restrictions and outright bans on short-term rentals (STRs). When neighbors of STRs complain about noise, traffic, and other nuisances, city officials respond with controls and regulations rather than enforcement of existing laws. In most locales, there are laws that address loud noise, trash…